Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Nintendo Virtual Boy & 4 games


The Nintendo Virtual Boy, a console designed by legendary Gunpei Yokoi, was Nintendo's first and apparently only attempt at a Virtual Reality console, that completely and utterly flopped. The console, released in 1995 in Japan and the US, didn't even make it to Europe, despite being a pretty quirky and interesting little gadget.

Here's what Nintendo had to say on its VR gaming machine:

"The Virtual Boy, our RISC-based, 32-bit system, produces a 3-D experience not possible on conventional television or LCD screens. The system has two high-resolution, mirror-scanning LED (light emitting diode) displays. Its unique design eliminates all external stimuli, totally immersing players into their own private universe with high-resolution red images against a deep black background. The 3-D experience is enhanced through stereo sound and a new specially-designed, double-grip controller that accommodates multidirectional spatial movement. Virtual Boy is a stand-alone, table-top unit that doesn't connect to a television screen. It is powered by six AA batteries."
Good news is Europeans can now get their hands on a Virtual Boy and 4 games (Wario Land, Mario Tennis, Galactic Pinball and Red Alarm) for relatively cheap. Provided its price stays below 50£, as usually VBs sell for over 70£.

Virtual Boy and games @ ebay.co.uk

Seller is based in the UK, but ships to Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.

5 comments:

  1. why oh why did this never catch on... i've be waiting for some company to come up with "goggles" for ages and now i find it's already been done....

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  2. To be honest, I do believe it was a mighty fine idea too. Also sort of liked the whole red thing... Then again, it's so sad they stole your idea.

    Corporate bastards, they are, that's what.

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  3. ... one of many mr.gnome, one of many.... sigh!!!

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  4. Don't tell me you even thought of the Wii?

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  5. never crossed my mind... well in a negative way...but in a what game console will i buy next croosed my mind notion...

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